Clar.But as it most times happens,We marry where our Parents like, not we;My Mother was dispos’d of to DonManuel.Dor.Ay, Madam; but had you seen DonAlonzo’sRage, and how my Lady took this Disappointment—But I who was very young, and very pretty, as I told you before—Clar.Forbear, Madam; ’tis true,Alonzowas so far transported,That oft he did attempt to kill my Father;But bravely tho, and still he was prevented:But when at the Intreaties of my Mother,The King confin’d my Father,Alonzothen study’d a new Revenge;And thinking that my Father’s Life dependedUpon a Son he had, scarce a Year old,He did design to steal him; and one Evening,When with the Nurse and Maid he took the Air,This desperate Lover seiz’d the smiling Prize,Which never since was heard of.Cleo.I guess the Grief the Parents must sustain.Dor.It almost caus’d their Deaths; nor did kind HeavenSupply them with another till long after,Unhappy this was born:Which just her Father liv’d to see, and dy’d.[Weeps.Then she was Daughter, Son and Husband too,To her afflicted Mother: But as I told you, Madam, I was then in my Prime—Clar.Now, Madam, judge what her Despair must be,Who is depriv’d of all her Joys in me.[Weeps.Cleo.Francisca, see who it is that knocks so hastily.[One knocks.Franc.Oh, Madam, ’tis DonMarcelleading a wounded Man.Cleo.Oh my Fears, ’tisSilvio!Franc.’Tis not DonSilvio.EnterMarcel, leadingHippolytawounded, followed byAlonzoandPedro.Cleo.Alas, what Youth is this you lead all bleeding?Mar.One that deserves your Care; where’s my Father?Cleo.Not yet return’d.Mar.’Tis well; and you, Sir, I must confine till I know how to satisfy my Honour, and that of my wrong’d Sister.[ToAntonio.Ant.The holy Man will soon decide our Difference:Pray send for one, and reconcile us all.Hip.I fear,Antonio, still thou dost dissemble.Ant.So let me find Forgiveness when I die,If any fear of Death have wrought this change,But a pure Sense of all my Wrongs to thee,Knowing thy constant Love, and Virtue to me.Mar.I will secure your fear—Francisca, send for FatherJosephto me, and conduct these Gentlemen to the Lodgings next the Garden.[ExeuntFrancisca,AntonioandHippolyta.Alon.Prithee,Marcel, are thee and I awake, or do we dream? thou, that thou art in thy Father’s House; and I, that I see those two fair Women there? Pray, lovely Fugitive, how came you hither?[ToClarinda.Mar.I thought thou wert mistaken;’TwasSilviobrought her hither, that false Man.But how came you to know her?Alon.Know her! ’slife, I question my Sense.Pray, Lady, are you Flesh and Blood?[ToCleonte.Cleo.Yes surely, Sir; for ’twere pity you should have bestow’d your Heart on a Shadow, and I well remember you gave it one of us last Night.Alon.A Dream, a Dream! but are you indeed the same fair Person, and is this the same House too?Cleo.I am afraid your Heart’s not worth the keeping, since you took no better notice where you dispos’d of it.Alon.Faith, Madam, your wrong a poor Lover, who has languish’d in search of it all this live-long day.Cleo.Brother, I beseech you, receive the innocentClarinda, who, I fear, will have the greatest Cause of Complaint against you.[ToMarcel.Gives him toClarinda.Alon.But pray, fair one, let you and I talk a little about that same Heart you put me in mind of just now.[ToCleonte, with whom he seems to talk.Ped.Surely that’s my old Mistress,Dormida; twenty years has not made so great an Alteration in that ill-favour’d Face of hers, but I can find a Lover there.[Goes to her, they seem to talk earnestly, and sometimes pleasantly, pointing toClarinda.Mar.Enough,Clarinda: I’m too well convinc’d,Would thou hadst still remain’d a Criminal.Now how can I reward thy Faith and Love?Clar.I know,Marcel, it is not in thy Power,Thy faithless Story I’m acquainted with.Mar.Do not reproach me with my Shame,Clarinda.’Tis true, to gain thee to consent to my Desires,I made an honourable Pretence of loving.Pardon a Lover all the ways he takesTo gain a Mistress so belov’d and fair.But I have since repented of that Sin,And came last Night for thy Forgiveness too.Ped.This is News indeed; ’tis fit I keep this Secret no longer from my Master. DonManuelbeing dead, my Vow’s expir’d.[Aside.][Pedrogoes toAlonzo.Clar.And do you mean no more to love me then?Mar.In spite of me, above my Sense or Being.Clar.And yet you’ll marryFlavia.Mar.Against my Will I must, or lose a Father.Clar.Then I must die,Marcel.Mar.Do not unman my Soul, it is too weak To bear the Weight of fairClarinda’sTears.[Weeps.Alon.Why was this Secret kept from me so long?Ped.I was oblig’d by Vow, Sir, to DonAlonzo, my dead Master, not to restore you till DonManuel’sDeath; believing it a Happiness too great for his Rival, for so he was upon your Mother’s score.Alon.Have I a Mother living?Ped.Here in Madrid, Sir, and that fair Maid’s your Sister.[Pointing toClarinda.Alon.I scarce can credit thee, but that I know thee honest.Ped.To confirm that belief, Sir, here are the Writings of twelve thousand Crowns a Year, left you by your Foster-Father the braveAlonzo, whose Name he gave you too.[Gives him Papers, he reads.Alon.I am convinc’d—How now,Marcel, what all in Tears? why, who the Devil would love in earnest?Come, come, make me Judge between you.Mar.You’ll soon decide it then, my Heart’sClarinda’s; But my forc’d Vows are given to another.Alon.Vows! dost think the Gods regard the Vows of Lovers? they are things made in necessity, and ought not to be kept, nor punish’d when broken; if they were—Heaven have mercy on me poor Sinner.EnterAmbrosio.Mar.My Father return’d![Bows, and goes to him, and then leadsAlonzoto him.Sir, this is the gallant Man that was design’d to be your Son-in-Law.Amb.And that you were not so, Sir, was my misfortune only.Alon.I am glad to find it no slight to my Person,Or unknown Quality that depriv’d me of that Honour.Mar.To convince you of that,Alonzo, I know my Father will bestow this other Sister on you; more fair and young, and equally as rich.[AmbrosiocallsMarcelaside.Alon.How, his Sister! Fool that I was, I could not guess at this; and now have I been lying and swearing all this while how much I lov’d her. Well, take one time with another, a Man falls into more Danger by this amorous Humour, than he gets good turns by it.Mar.Pardon me, Sir, I knew not you had design’d her elsewhere—DearAlonzo, my Father—Alon.Ay, Sir, I am much oblig’d to him. Oh Pox, would I were well withEuphemia.Mar.I protest I could wish—Alon.Ay, so could I, Sir, that you had made a better Judgment of my Humour: All must out, I have no other way to avoid this Compliment else. Why look ye,Marcel—Your Sister is—Pox, I am ill at Dissimulation, and therefore in plain Terms, I am to be married this very Evening to another.Mar.This was happy, and has sav’d me an Excuse.[Aside.But are you in earnest, How is it possible, being so lately come intoMadrid?Alon.Destiny, Destiny,Marcel, which there was no avoiding, tho I mist ofHippolyta.Mar.Who is it, prithee?Alon.A Woman I hope, of which indeed I would have been better assur’d; but she was wilful. She’s call’dEuphemia.Mar.Our next Neighbour, the Daughter of oldCarlo.Alon.The same.Mar.Thou art happy to make so good a Progress in so short a time, but I am—Alon.Not so miserable as you believe. Come, come, you shall marryClarinda.Mar.’Tis impossible.Alon.Where’s the hindrance?Mar.Her want of Fortune; that’s enough, Friend.Alon.Stand by and expect the best—[Goes toAmbrosio.Sir, I have an humble Suit to you.Amb.I shall be infinitely pleas’d you could ask me any thing in my Power; but, Sir, this Daughter I had dispos’d of, before I knew you would have mist ofHippolyta.Alon.Luckier than I expected.[Aside.Sir, that was an Honour I could not merit, and am contented with my Fate: But my Request is, that you would receive into your Family a Sister of mine, whom I would bestow on DonMarcel.Mar.Hah, what mean you, Sir? a Sister of yours?Alon.Yes, she will not be unwelcome—This is she.Amb.This is the Daughter toOctavia—Her Mother was a Lady whom once I did adore, and ’twas her fault she was not more happy with me, than with DonManuel. Nor have I so wholly forgot that Flame, but I might be inclin’d to your Proposal: But, Sir, she wants a Fortune.Alon.That I’ll supply.Mar.You supply, Sir? On what kind Score, I pray?Alon.That which you’ll suffer without being jealous, When you shall know she is indeed my Sister.Clar.How! this brave Man my Brother?Alon.So they tell me, and that my Name isManuel. Had you not such a Brother?Dor.Oh ye Gods, is this the littleManuel?Ped.Yes,Dormida, and for a farther Proof see this.[Opens his Master’s Bosom and shews a Crucifix.Dor.This I remember well, it is DonManuel:Pray let me look upon you: Just like my Lord—Nowmay the Soul of DonAlonzorest in Peace,For making so hopeful a Man of you.Alon.Amen. But, Sir, if you approve of my Sister,I’ll make her as worthy ofMarcel, asFlavia.Amb.I’ve lost the Hopes of her—She’s not to be reconcil’d.[Aside.Clarindaneeds no more than to belong to you,To make her valuable—and I consent with Joy.[Gives her toMarcel.Mar.And I with Joys unutterable take her.Alon.Pedro, there rests no more than that you wait on my Mother, and let her know all that has happen’d to my self and Sister, and that I’ll pay my Duty to her e’er I sleep.Dor.The very Joy to find her Son again, will get my Pardon too: and then perhapsPedroand I may renew our old Amours.Alon.Sir, I have another Request to make.Amb.You must command, Sir.Alon.That is, that you will permit this fair Company to honour me this Evening at my Father-in-law’s, DonCarlo.Amb.How, has DonCarlomarried the Lady Octavia?Alon.No, Sir, but a worse matter than that, I am to marry his Daughter.Amb.Oh, Sir,Euphemiahas too much Beauty and Virtue to make you doubt your Happiness.Alon.Well, Sir, I must venture that. But your Company I’ll expect, the Ladies may clap on their Vizards, and make a masquerading Night on’t: tho such Freedoms are not very usual inSpain, we that have seen the World, may absolve one another.Amb.My Garden joins to that of DonCarlo, and that way we will wait on you, as soon as I have dispatcht a small Affair.Alon.Your humble servant, Sir.[Goes out;Ambrosiothe other way.Mar.Sister, go you and prepare my Father to receiveHippolyta, whilst I go see them married.[ExeuntCleonteandClarinda.[Marcelpassing over the Garden, seesSilvioenter in Passion, followed byFrancisca.Silv.Do not,Francisca—do not blow my Flame,The Cure thou bring’st is much the greater Hell.[Offers to go, but stops.Mar.Hah,Silvio!unseen I’ll hear the Business.[Goes aside.Silv.I would fain shun thee, but this impious WeightOf Love upon my Soul hinders my flight:I’m fixt—like conscious Guilt it keeps me here,And I am now insensible of Fear.Speak on, thou Messenger of sacred Love—speak on.Franc.The fairCleonte, Sir, whose Soul’s inflam’dNo less than yours; tho with a virgin ModestyShe would conceal it, pitying now your Pain,Has thro my Intercession—Silv.Oh quickly speak! What Happiness design’d me?Franc.To admit you, Sir, this Night into her Chamber.Mar.Death to my Soul! What’s this?[Aside.Silv.Her Chamber? is that all? will that allay this FeverIn my Blood?—No, no,Francisca,’Tis grown too high for amorous Parleys only;Her Arms, her charming Bosom, and her Bed,Must now receive me; or I die,Francisca.Franc.I mean no other, Sir; why, can you thinkA Maid in love as much as you can be,Assisted with the silence of the Night,(Which veils her Blushes too) can say—I dare not?Or if she do, she’ll speak it faintly o’er,And even whilst she so denies will yield.Go, go prepare your self for this Encounter,And do not dally as you did to day,And fright your Pleasure with the Name of Sister—Mar.Oh cursed Witch![Aside.Franc.What say you, Sir?Silv.That Name has check’d my Joy—And makes it strangely silent and imperfect.[Walks away.Franc.Why do you go, before you answer me?[Follows him into the Garden.Mar.I’ll follow him, and kill them.[Comes out with a Dagger.Oh, who would be allied unto a Woman,Nature’s loose Handy-Work? the slight ImploysOf all her wanton Hours?—Oh, I could rave now—Abandon Sense and Nature.Hence, all considerate Thoughts, and in their Room,Supply my Soul with Vengeance, that may proveToo great to be allay’d by Nature, or by Love.[Goes into the Garden after them.Enter againSilviomelancholy, followed byFrancisca.Franc.But will you lose this Opportunity,Her Lodgings too being so near your own?Silv.Hell take her for her Wickedness.Oh that ten thousand Mountains stood between us,And Seas as vast and raging as her Lust,That we might never meet—Oh perfect Woman!I find there is no Safety in thy Sex;No trusting to thy Innocence:That being counterfeit, thy Beauty’s gone,Dropt like a Rose o’er-blown;And left thee nothing but a wither’d Root,That never more can bloom.Franc.Alas, I fear I have done ill in this.[Aside.Silv.I now should hate her: but there yet remainsSomething within, so strangely kind to her,That I’m resolv’d to give her one proof more,Of what I have vow’d her often; yes, I’ll kill her—Franc.How, kill her, Sir? Gods, what have I done![Aside.Silv.Yes, can I let her live, and say I lov’d her?No, she shall tempt no more vain yielding Men.Franc.Consider, Sir, it is to save your Life she does it.Silv.My Life!’Twere better she and I were buriedQuick in one Grave, than she should fall to this,She has out-sinn’d even me in this Consent.EnterMarcelfrom amongst the Trees softly with his Dagger behindSilvio.Mar.Oh, here they are—Franc.My Lord, defend your self, your are undone else.Silv.Hah,Marcel![Draws.Franc.Help, help.Mar.Hell take thy Throat.EnterAmbrosio,Clarinda,Cleonte, and the rest of the House.Amb.Hold, Villain, hold.How dar’st thou thus rebel—ungrateful Wretch?Mar.This cause, Sir, is so just, that when you hear it,You’ll curse me, that I let him live thus long:He loves my Sister, Sir; and that leud WomanRepays his lustful Flame, and does this EveningInvite him to her Bed—Oh, let me kill him.[Offers to go to him.Amb.That he should loveCleonteI’ll allow,And her returns too, whilst they are innocent.Mar.But, Sir, he does not love her as a Sister.Amb.If that be all his Crime, I still forgive him.Silv.Yes, Sir, ’tis true, I do adore my Sister,But am so far from that foul thing he nam’d,That could I think I had a secret ThoughtThat tended that way, I would search it—thus—[Goes to stab himself.Cleo.What mean you by this Desperation?Silv.Oh, take away this Woman from my sight.[Pointing toCleonte.For she will finish what this has ill begun.[Holds his Dagger up.Franc.Thus low, Sir, for you Mercy I must kneel;[Kneels.Which yet I must despair of, when you knowHow very very wickedI have been.[Weeps.Cleonte, Sir, is chaste as Angels are.Silv.My Sister innocent! how soon I do believe thee!Franc.Yes, Sir, nor knows of that vile Message which I brought you.Silv.What Devil set thee on to tempt me then?Franc.The worst of Devils, hopeless, raging Love;And you, my Lord, were the unhappy Object.Mar.Oh sinful Woman, what was thy Design?Cleo.What means all this?[Aside.Franc.At least to have enjoy’d him once; which done,Thinking that it had been the fairCleonte,It would have made him hate her.Silv.Should all thy other Sins be unrepented,The Piety of this Confession saves thee.Pardon,Cleonte, my rude Thoughts of thee,[Kneels, she takes him up.I had design’d to have kill’d thee—Had not this Knowledge of thy InnocenceArriv’d before I’d seen thee next.And, Sir, your Pardon too I humbly beg,[ToAmbrosio.With license to depart; I cannot liveWhere I must only see my beauteous Sister;That Torment is too great to be supported,That still must last, and never hope a Cure.Amb.Since you are so resolv’d, I will unfoldA Secret to you, that perhaps may please you.Silv.Low at your Feet I do implore it, Sir.[Kneels.Amb.Your Quality forbids this Ceremony.[Takes him up.Silv.How, Sir!Amb.Your Father was the mighty Favourite, theCountd’Olivarez; your Mother,Spain’scelebrated Beauty,Donna Margarita Spiniola, by whom your Father had two natural Sons,Don Lovis de Harro, and your selfDon Roderigo. The Story of his Disgrace, you know, with all the World;’twas then he being banisht from the Court, he left you to my Care then very young. I receiv’d you as my own, and as more than such educated you, and as your Father oblig’d me to do, brought you always up about their Majesties; for he hoped, if you had Beauty and Merits, you might inherit part of that Glory he lost.Mar.This is wondrous.Amb.This Truth you had not known so soon, had you not made as great an Interest at Court as any Man so young ever did, and if I had not acquitted my self in all Points as became the Friend of so great and brave a Man, as Countd’Olivarez: the Fortune he left you was two Millions of Crowns.Silv.Let me embrace your feet for this blest News. Is not the fairCleontethen my Sister?Amb.No, Sir, but one whom long since I design’d your Wife,if you are pleas’dto think her worthy of it.[Offers her.Silv.Without her, Sir, I do despise my Being;And do receive her as a Blessing sentFrom Heaven to make my whole Life happy.Amb.What say you,Cleonte?Cleo.Sir, I must own a Joy greater than is fit for a Virgin to express.Mar.Generous DonRoderigo, receive me as your Friend, and pardon all the Fault you found in me as a Brother.[Embraces him.Silv.Be ever dear unto my Soul,Marcel.Mar.Now is the time to presentHippolytaandAntonioto my Father, whilst his Humour is so good. And you, dear Brother, I must beg to join with us in so just a Cause.Silv.You need not doubt my Power, and less my Will.Mar.Do you prepare him then, whilst I bring them in: for by this I know my Confessor has made them one.[ExitMarcel.Silv.Sir, I’ve a Suit to you.Amb.You cannot ask what I can deny.Silv.Hippolyta, Sir, is married toAntonio, And humbly begs your Pardon for her past fault.Amb.AntonioandHippolyta!oh, name them not.EnterAntonioandHippolyta, a Fryar, andMarcel.Mar.Pray, Sir, forgive them, your Honour being safe,Since DonAntoniohas by marrying her,Repair’d the Injury he did us all,Without which I had kill’d him.Amb.Thou art by Nature more severe than I,And if thou think’st our Honour satisfy’d,I will endeavour to forget their Faults.Ant.We humbly thank you, Sir, and beg your Blessing,At least bestow it onHippolyta;For she was ever chaste, and innocent,And acted only what became her Duty;Since by a sacred Vow she was my Wife.Amb.How cam’st thou then to treat her so inhumanly?Ant.In pure revenge to DonMarcelher Brother,Who forc’d my Nature to a stubbornness,Which whilst I did put on, I blush to own;And still between Thoughts so unjust, and Action,Her Virtue would rise up and check my Soul,Which still secur’d her Fame.Hip.And I have seen in midst of all thy Anger,Thou’st turn’d away, and chang’d thy Words to Sighs;Dropt now and then a Tear, as if asham’d,Not of thy Injuries, but my little Merit.Amb.How weak and easy Nature makes me—Rise,I must forgive you both.Come, Sir, I know you long to be secur’dOf what you say you love so much,Cleonte.Franc.But, Madam, have you fully pardon’d me?Silv.We will all join in your behalf,Francisco.Cleo.I can forgive you, when you can repent.[Exeunt.Scene II.Carlo’sHouse.EnterOlindaandDorice.Olin.But is the Bride-Chamber drest up, and the Bed made as it ought to be?Dor.As forthe making, ’tis as it use to be, only the Velvet Furniture.Olin.As it use to be? Oh ignorance! I see these young Wenches are not arriv’d yet to bare Imagination: Well, I must order it my self, I see that.Dor.Why,Olinda, I hope they will not go just to Bed upon their marrying, without some signs of a Wedding, as Fiddles, and Dancing, and so forth.Olin.Good Lord, what Joys you have found out for the first Night of a young Bride and Bridegroom. Fiddles and Dancing, ha, ha, ha! they’ll be much merrier by themselves, than Fiddles and Dancing can make them, you Fool.EnterHaunceandGload.Bless me! what is’t I see![Stares onHaunce.Hau.Why! what the Devil means she? look about me,Gload, and see what I have that’s so terrible.Olin.Oh, I have no Power to stir, it is a Sprite.Hau.What does she mean now,Gload?Glo.She desires to be satisfy’d whether we be Flesh and Blood, Sir, I believe.Hau.Do’st see nothing that’s Devil-wise about me?Glo.No, indeed, Sir, not I.Hau.Why then the Wench is tippled, that’s all, a small Fault.Olin.O, in the name of Goodness, Sir, what are you?Glo.Ay, Ay, Sir, ’tis that she desires to know.Olin.Who are you, Sir?Hau.Why who should I be, but he that’s to be your Master anon?Glo.Yes, who should he be butMyn heer Haunce van Ezel?Olin.What, did you come in at the Door?Hau.Yes, marry did I; what, do you think I creep in likea Lapland Witchthrough the Key-holes?Dor.Nay, nay, this cannot be the Bridegroom.Olin.No, for ’tis but a moment since we left him, you know, in my Lady’s Chamber.Hau.Very drunk, by this good Light.Dor.And therefore it cannot beMyn heer Haunce.Hau.What a Devilwill you persuade me out of my Christian Name?Olin.The Priest has yet scarce done his Office, who is marrying him above to my Lady.Hau.Salerimente, here’s brave doing, to marry me, and never give me notice; or thou art damnable drunk, or very mad.Glo.Yes, and I am married to you too, am I not?[ToOlinda.Olin.You? we know neither of you.Hau.Ha, ha, ha, here’s a turn for you.EnterCarlo.Car.Why,Olinda,Dorice,Olinda, where be these mad Girls? ’tis almost Night, and nothing in Order. Why, what now? Who’s here?Hau.So the old Man’s possest too—Why, what a Devil ails you, Sir?[Goes roughly to him.Car.From whence come you, Sir? and what are you?Hau.Gload, let’s be gone, for we shall be transmigrated into some strange Shapes anon, for all the House is inchanted. Who am I, quoth ye? before I came you all knew me; and now you are very well acquainted with me, you have forgot me.Car.If you be my SonHaunce, how came you here?Hau.If I be your SonHaunce, where should I be else?Car.Above with your Wife, not below amongst the Maids.Hau.What Wife? what Wife? Ha, ha, ha, do not provoke me, lest I take you a slap in the Face, I tell you that now.Car.Oh, I find by his Humour this is he, and I am finely cheated and abus’d. I’ll up and know the Truth.[Goes out.Hau.And so will I.[Follows.Glo.Why, but MistressOlinda, you have not, indeed, forgot me, have you?Olin.For my Lover I have, but perhaps I may call you to mind, as my Servant hereafter.Glo.Since you are so proud and so fickle, you shall stand hereafter as a Cypher with me; and I’ll begin upon a new Account with this pretty Maid: what say you forsooth?Dor.I am willing enough to get a Husband as young as I am.Glo.Why, that’s well said, give your Hand upon the Bargain—God-ha’-Mercy, with all my Heart, i’faith.[Go in.[Scene draws off, discovers a Chamber. EnterAlonzo,Euphemia, andLovis; to themCarlo,Haunce, and the rest.Car.Oh, I am cheated, undone, abus’d.Lov.How, Sir, and where?[HaunceseesAlonzodrest like him, goes gazing about him, and on himself, callingGloadto do the same.Car.Nay, I know not how, or where; but so I am: and when I find it, I’ll turn you all out of Doors. Who are you, Sir? quickly tell me.Alon.If you be in such haste, take the shortest Account, I am your Son.Car.I mean, Sir, what’s your Name, and which of you isHaunce van Ezel?Hau.Ay, which of us isHaunce van Ezel?tell us that, Sir; we shall handle ye i’faith now—Alon.He, Sir, can best inform you.[Pointing toHaunce.Hau.Who, I! I know no more than the great Turk, not I, which of us is me; my Hat, my Feather, my Suit, and my Garniture all over, faith now; and I believe this is me, for I’ll trust my Eyes before any other Sense about me. What say’st thou now,Gload?guess which of us is thy own natural Master now if thou canst.Glo.Which, Sir?—why—let me see—let me see,[Turns them both about.fakes, I cannot tell, Sir.Car.Come, come, the Cheat is plain, and I’ll not be fobb’d off, therefore tell me who you are, Sir.[ToAlonzo.Alon.One that was very unwilling to have put this Trick upon you, if I could have persuadedEuphemiato have been kind on any other Terms, but nothing would down with her but Matrimony.Car.How long have you known her?Alon.Faith, Sir, too long by at least an Hour.Car.I say again, what are you, Sir?Alon.A Man I am, and they call meAlonzo.Car.How! I hope not the great fighting Colonel whom my Son serv’d as a Voluntier inFlanders.Alon.Even he, Sir.Car.Worse and worse, I shall grow mad, to think that in spite of all my Care,Euphemiashould marry with so notorious a Man of War.Hau.How! is thisAlonzo, and am I cozen’d? pray tell me truly, are you not me indeed?Alon.All over, Sir, only the inside a little less Fool.Hau.So here’s fine juggling—are not you a rare Lady, hah?[ToEuphemia; crys.Euph.I assure you, Sir, if this Man had not past for you, I had never had him.Hau.Had him! Oh, you are a flattering thing, I durst ha’ sworn you could no more ha’ been without me, than a Barber’s Shop without a Fiddle, so I did: Oh, what adamnable Voyage have I back again without a Wife too—[Crys again.Lov.If that be all, we’ll get you one before you go; that shall be my care.Hau.A Pox of your care: well, I will get my self most soundly drunk to Night, to be reveng’d of these two damnable Dons. Come,Gload, let us about something in order to’t.[Exit withGload.Euph.Pray, Sir, be persuaded, he’s worth your owning.Car.Tell not me of owning; what Fortune has he?Lov.His Horse and Arms, the Favour of his Prince, and his Pay.Car.His Horse and Arms I wholly dislike, as Implements of War; and that same Princely Favour, as you call it, will buy no Lands; and his Pay he shall have when he can get it.Lov.But, Sir, his coming toMadridwas to take possession of a Place the Prince has promis’d him.Car.Has promis’d him? what! I shall marry my Daughter to the Promises of e’er a Prince inChristendom, shall I? No, no; Promises, quoth ye?Alon.Well, Sir, will this satisfy you?[Gives him a Parchment.Euph.If it should not, let us consider what next to do.Alon.No consideration,Euphemia; not so much as that we are married, lest it lessen our Joys.Car.Twelve thousand Crowns a Year!—Sir, I cry you mercy, and wish you joy with my Daughter.Lov.So his Courage will down with him now.Alon.To satisfy you farther, Sir, read this.[Gives him another Paper.And now,Euphemia, prepare your self to receive some gallant Friends of mine, whom you must be acquainted with, and who design to make a merry Night on’t.Euph.A whole Night,Alonzo?Alon.By no means,Euphemia, for the first too, whichif the thoughts of its being part of my Duty do not hinder, will be a pleasant enough to me.Car.So considerable an Office at Court too!—Let me imbrace you, Sir; and tell you how happy I am in so brave Son-in-law.Alon.With that assurance, Sir, I’ll take a more than ordinary freedom with you, and teachEuphemiaa franker way of living, than what a nativeSpaniardwould have allow’d her.Car.She shall be what sort of Wife you’ll have her.Enter Servant, after a noise of Musick.Alon.What Musick’s that?Serv.It waits upon some Ladies and Gentlemen who ask for you, Sir.Alon.Wait them in, they are those Friends of mine I told you of.[He goes and brings them in.EnterMarcelandClarinda,SilvioandCleonte,AntonioandHippolyta,DormidaandFrancisca; all saluteEuphemia.EnterHaunceandGloadin Masquerade to the Company,OlindaandDoricemasked.Hau.Well, the Devil’s in’t if we shall not appear ridiculous enough, hah,Gload?Glo.Ay, Sir, the more ridiculous the better.Hau.I was always of that mind.—Ha, ha, Boys, who be all these Dons and Donnas?—Harkye,Lovis, I hope the Wife you promis’d me is amongst these fair Ladies, for so I guess they are both, fair and Ladies.Lov.You guess right, Sir.Alon.Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, command your Musick, and do what likes you best.Lov.Here’s the Lady I recommend to you, take her, Sir, be thankful.[Gives himOlinda.Olin.This is the Fool that I am to manage.Dor.And this is my Lot.[TakesGload.[Musick plays, they all dance.Lov.There is within a young Father ready to join your Hands: take this opportunity, and make sure of a Wife.Hau.I warrant you, Sir.[ExeuntHaunce,Olinda,Gload, andDorice.EnterPedro.Ped.Your Mother, Sir, whom I found more dead than living, for the loss of your Sister, was very near dying outright with Joy, to hear of your Arrival, and most impatiently expects you.Dorm.And are we all forgiven,Pedro?Ped.Yes, you and I are like to be Fellow-Servants together again,Dormida.Dorm.And Fellow-Lovers too I hope,Pedro.Ped.The Devil’s in’t if Age have not allay’d Flames of all sorts in thee; but if you contribute to my allowance—Dorm.Thou know’st I could never keep any thing from thee,Pedro.Alon.Come, Ladies, there is a small Banquet attends you in the next Room.Silv.We’ll wait on you, Sir.EnterHaunce,Gload,Olinda, andDorice.Hau.Hold, hold, and give me Joy too, for I am married, if she has not mistaken her Man again, and I my Woman.Olin.No, you are the Man I look for, and I no Cheat, having all about me that you look for too, but Money.[Discovers her self.Alon.How,Olinda!Olin.Yes, indeed, Sir, I serv’d my Lady first, and then thought it no Offence to take the Reward due to that Service.Hau.Here’s aSpanishTrick for you now, to marry a Wife, before one sees her.Euph.What,Doricemarried too?Dor.After your Example, Madam.Glo.Yes, indeed, forsooth, and I have made bold too after the Example of my Master.Hau.Now do they all expect I should be dissatisfied; but, Gentlemen, in sign and token that I am not, I’ll have one more merry Frisk before we part, ’tis a witty Wench; faith and troth, after a Month ’tis all one who’s who; therefore come on,Gload.[They dance together.Alon.MonsieurHaunce, I see you are a Man of Gallantry. Come let us in, I know every Man here desires to make this Night his own, and sacrifice it to Pleasure.
Clar.But as it most times happens,We marry where our Parents like, not we;My Mother was dispos’d of to DonManuel.
Clar.But as it most times happens,
We marry where our Parents like, not we;
My Mother was dispos’d of to DonManuel.
Dor.Ay, Madam; but had you seen DonAlonzo’sRage, and how my Lady took this Disappointment—But I who was very young, and very pretty, as I told you before—
Clar.Forbear, Madam; ’tis true,Alonzowas so far transported,That oft he did attempt to kill my Father;But bravely tho, and still he was prevented:But when at the Intreaties of my Mother,The King confin’d my Father,Alonzothen study’d a new Revenge;And thinking that my Father’s Life dependedUpon a Son he had, scarce a Year old,He did design to steal him; and one Evening,When with the Nurse and Maid he took the Air,This desperate Lover seiz’d the smiling Prize,Which never since was heard of.
Clar.Forbear, Madam; ’tis true,
Alonzowas so far transported,
That oft he did attempt to kill my Father;
But bravely tho, and still he was prevented:
But when at the Intreaties of my Mother,
The King confin’d my Father,
Alonzothen study’d a new Revenge;
And thinking that my Father’s Life depended
Upon a Son he had, scarce a Year old,
He did design to steal him; and one Evening,
When with the Nurse and Maid he took the Air,
This desperate Lover seiz’d the smiling Prize,
Which never since was heard of.
Cleo.I guess the Grief the Parents must sustain.
Dor.It almost caus’d their Deaths; nor did kind HeavenSupply them with another till long after,Unhappy this was born:Which just her Father liv’d to see, and dy’d.[Weeps.Then she was Daughter, Son and Husband too,
Dor.It almost caus’d their Deaths; nor did kind Heaven
Supply them with another till long after,
Unhappy this was born:
Which just her Father liv’d to see, and dy’d.[Weeps.
Then she was Daughter, Son and Husband too,
To her afflicted Mother: But as I told you, Madam, I was then in my Prime—
Clar.Now, Madam, judge what her Despair must be,Who is depriv’d of all her Joys in me.[Weeps.
Clar.Now, Madam, judge what her Despair must be,
Who is depriv’d of all her Joys in me.[Weeps.
Cleo.Francisca, see who it is that knocks so hastily.[One knocks.
Franc.Oh, Madam, ’tis DonMarcelleading a wounded Man.
Cleo.Oh my Fears, ’tisSilvio!
Franc.’Tis not DonSilvio.
EnterMarcel, leadingHippolytawounded, followed byAlonzoandPedro.
Cleo.Alas, what Youth is this you lead all bleeding?
Mar.One that deserves your Care; where’s my Father?
Cleo.Not yet return’d.
Mar.’Tis well; and you, Sir, I must confine till I know how to satisfy my Honour, and that of my wrong’d Sister.[ToAntonio.
Ant.The holy Man will soon decide our Difference:Pray send for one, and reconcile us all.
Ant.The holy Man will soon decide our Difference:
Pray send for one, and reconcile us all.
Hip.I fear,Antonio, still thou dost dissemble.
Ant.So let me find Forgiveness when I die,If any fear of Death have wrought this change,But a pure Sense of all my Wrongs to thee,Knowing thy constant Love, and Virtue to me.
Ant.So let me find Forgiveness when I die,
If any fear of Death have wrought this change,
But a pure Sense of all my Wrongs to thee,
Knowing thy constant Love, and Virtue to me.
Mar.I will secure your fear—Francisca, send for FatherJosephto me, and conduct these Gentlemen to the Lodgings next the Garden.
[ExeuntFrancisca,AntonioandHippolyta.
Alon.Prithee,Marcel, are thee and I awake, or do we dream? thou, that thou art in thy Father’s House; and I, that I see those two fair Women there? Pray, lovely Fugitive, how came you hither?[ToClarinda.
Mar.I thought thou wert mistaken;’TwasSilviobrought her hither, that false Man.But how came you to know her?
Mar.I thought thou wert mistaken;
’TwasSilviobrought her hither, that false Man.
But how came you to know her?
Alon.Know her! ’slife, I question my Sense.Pray, Lady, are you Flesh and Blood?[ToCleonte.
Alon.Know her! ’slife, I question my Sense.
Pray, Lady, are you Flesh and Blood?[ToCleonte.
Cleo.Yes surely, Sir; for ’twere pity you should have bestow’d your Heart on a Shadow, and I well remember you gave it one of us last Night.
Alon.A Dream, a Dream! but are you indeed the same fair Person, and is this the same House too?
Cleo.I am afraid your Heart’s not worth the keeping, since you took no better notice where you dispos’d of it.
Alon.Faith, Madam, your wrong a poor Lover, who has languish’d in search of it all this live-long day.
Cleo.Brother, I beseech you, receive the innocentClarinda, who, I fear, will have the greatest Cause of Complaint against you.[ToMarcel.Gives him toClarinda.
Alon.But pray, fair one, let you and I talk a little about that same Heart you put me in mind of just now.[ToCleonte, with whom he seems to talk.
Ped.Surely that’s my old Mistress,Dormida; twenty years has not made so great an Alteration in that ill-favour’d Face of hers, but I can find a Lover there.
[Goes to her, they seem to talk earnestly, and sometimes pleasantly, pointing toClarinda.
Mar.Enough,Clarinda: I’m too well convinc’d,Would thou hadst still remain’d a Criminal.Now how can I reward thy Faith and Love?
Mar.Enough,Clarinda: I’m too well convinc’d,
Would thou hadst still remain’d a Criminal.
Now how can I reward thy Faith and Love?
Clar.I know,Marcel, it is not in thy Power,Thy faithless Story I’m acquainted with.
Clar.I know,Marcel, it is not in thy Power,
Thy faithless Story I’m acquainted with.
Mar.Do not reproach me with my Shame,Clarinda.’Tis true, to gain thee to consent to my Desires,I made an honourable Pretence of loving.Pardon a Lover all the ways he takesTo gain a Mistress so belov’d and fair.But I have since repented of that Sin,And came last Night for thy Forgiveness too.
Mar.Do not reproach me with my Shame,Clarinda.
’Tis true, to gain thee to consent to my Desires,
I made an honourable Pretence of loving.
Pardon a Lover all the ways he takes
To gain a Mistress so belov’d and fair.
But I have since repented of that Sin,
And came last Night for thy Forgiveness too.
Ped.This is News indeed; ’tis fit I keep this Secret no longer from my Master. DonManuelbeing dead, my Vow’s expir’d.[Aside.]
[Pedrogoes toAlonzo.
Clar.And do you mean no more to love me then?
Mar.In spite of me, above my Sense or Being.
Clar.And yet you’ll marryFlavia.
Mar.Against my Will I must, or lose a Father.
Clar.Then I must die,Marcel.
Mar.Do not unman my Soul, it is too weak To bear the Weight of fairClarinda’sTears.[Weeps.
Alon.Why was this Secret kept from me so long?
Ped.I was oblig’d by Vow, Sir, to DonAlonzo, my dead Master, not to restore you till DonManuel’sDeath; believing it a Happiness too great for his Rival, for so he was upon your Mother’s score.
Alon.Have I a Mother living?
Ped.Here in Madrid, Sir, and that fair Maid’s your Sister.[Pointing toClarinda.
Alon.I scarce can credit thee, but that I know thee honest.
Ped.To confirm that belief, Sir, here are the Writings of twelve thousand Crowns a Year, left you by your Foster-Father the braveAlonzo, whose Name he gave you too.[Gives him Papers, he reads.
Alon.I am convinc’d—How now,Marcel, what all in Tears? why, who the Devil would love in earnest?Come, come, make me Judge between you.
Mar.You’ll soon decide it then, my Heart’sClarinda’s; But my forc’d Vows are given to another.
Alon.Vows! dost think the Gods regard the Vows of Lovers? they are things made in necessity, and ought not to be kept, nor punish’d when broken; if they were—Heaven have mercy on me poor Sinner.
EnterAmbrosio.
Mar.My Father return’d![Bows, and goes to him, and then leadsAlonzoto him.
Sir, this is the gallant Man that was design’d to be your Son-in-Law.
Amb.And that you were not so, Sir, was my misfortune only.
Alon.I am glad to find it no slight to my Person,Or unknown Quality that depriv’d me of that Honour.
Alon.I am glad to find it no slight to my Person,
Or unknown Quality that depriv’d me of that Honour.
Mar.To convince you of that,Alonzo, I know my Father will bestow this other Sister on you; more fair and young, and equally as rich.[AmbrosiocallsMarcelaside.
Alon.How, his Sister! Fool that I was, I could not guess at this; and now have I been lying and swearing all this while how much I lov’d her. Well, take one time with another, a Man falls into more Danger by this amorous Humour, than he gets good turns by it.
Mar.Pardon me, Sir, I knew not you had design’d her elsewhere—DearAlonzo, my Father—
Alon.Ay, Sir, I am much oblig’d to him. Oh Pox, would I were well withEuphemia.
Mar.I protest I could wish—
Alon.Ay, so could I, Sir, that you had made a better Judgment of my Humour: All must out, I have no other way to avoid this Compliment else. Why look ye,Marcel—Your Sister is—Pox, I am ill at Dissimulation, and therefore in plain Terms, I am to be married this very Evening to another.
Mar.This was happy, and has sav’d me an Excuse.[Aside.
But are you in earnest, How is it possible, being so lately come intoMadrid?
Alon.Destiny, Destiny,Marcel, which there was no avoiding, tho I mist ofHippolyta.
Mar.Who is it, prithee?
Alon.A Woman I hope, of which indeed I would have been better assur’d; but she was wilful. She’s call’dEuphemia.
Mar.Our next Neighbour, the Daughter of oldCarlo.
Alon.The same.
Mar.Thou art happy to make so good a Progress in so short a time, but I am—
Alon.Not so miserable as you believe. Come, come, you shall marryClarinda.
Mar.’Tis impossible.
Alon.Where’s the hindrance?
Mar.Her want of Fortune; that’s enough, Friend.
Alon.Stand by and expect the best—[Goes toAmbrosio.
Sir, I have an humble Suit to you.
Amb.I shall be infinitely pleas’d you could ask me any thing in my Power; but, Sir, this Daughter I had dispos’d of, before I knew you would have mist ofHippolyta.
Alon.Luckier than I expected.[Aside.
Sir, that was an Honour I could not merit, and am contented with my Fate: But my Request is, that you would receive into your Family a Sister of mine, whom I would bestow on DonMarcel.
Mar.Hah, what mean you, Sir? a Sister of yours?
Alon.Yes, she will not be unwelcome—This is she.
Amb.This is the Daughter toOctavia—Her Mother was a Lady whom once I did adore, and ’twas her fault she was not more happy with me, than with DonManuel. Nor have I so wholly forgot that Flame, but I might be inclin’d to your Proposal: But, Sir, she wants a Fortune.
Alon.That I’ll supply.
Mar.You supply, Sir? On what kind Score, I pray?
Alon.That which you’ll suffer without being jealous, When you shall know she is indeed my Sister.
Clar.How! this brave Man my Brother?
Alon.So they tell me, and that my Name isManuel. Had you not such a Brother?
Dor.Oh ye Gods, is this the littleManuel?
Ped.Yes,Dormida, and for a farther Proof see this.[Opens his Master’s Bosom and shews a Crucifix.
Dor.This I remember well, it is DonManuel:Pray let me look upon you: Just like my Lord—Nowmay the Soul of DonAlonzorest in Peace,For making so hopeful a Man of you.
Dor.This I remember well, it is DonManuel:
Pray let me look upon you: Just like my Lord—Now
may the Soul of DonAlonzorest in Peace,
For making so hopeful a Man of you.
Alon.Amen. But, Sir, if you approve of my Sister,I’ll make her as worthy ofMarcel, asFlavia.
Alon.Amen. But, Sir, if you approve of my Sister,
I’ll make her as worthy ofMarcel, asFlavia.
Amb.I’ve lost the Hopes of her—She’s not to be reconcil’d.[Aside.
Clarindaneeds no more than to belong to you,To make her valuable—and I consent with Joy.[Gives her toMarcel.
Clarindaneeds no more than to belong to you,
To make her valuable—and I consent with Joy.[Gives her toMarcel.
Mar.And I with Joys unutterable take her.
Alon.Pedro, there rests no more than that you wait on my Mother, and let her know all that has happen’d to my self and Sister, and that I’ll pay my Duty to her e’er I sleep.
Dor.The very Joy to find her Son again, will get my Pardon too: and then perhapsPedroand I may renew our old Amours.
Alon.Sir, I have another Request to make.
Amb.You must command, Sir.
Alon.That is, that you will permit this fair Company to honour me this Evening at my Father-in-law’s, DonCarlo.
Amb.How, has DonCarlomarried the Lady Octavia?
Alon.No, Sir, but a worse matter than that, I am to marry his Daughter.
Amb.Oh, Sir,Euphemiahas too much Beauty and Virtue to make you doubt your Happiness.
Alon.Well, Sir, I must venture that. But your Company I’ll expect, the Ladies may clap on their Vizards, and make a masquerading Night on’t: tho such Freedoms are not very usual inSpain, we that have seen the World, may absolve one another.
Amb.My Garden joins to that of DonCarlo, and that way we will wait on you, as soon as I have dispatcht a small Affair.
Alon.Your humble servant, Sir.[Goes out;Ambrosiothe other way.
Mar.Sister, go you and prepare my Father to receiveHippolyta, whilst I go see them married.
[ExeuntCleonteandClarinda.
[Marcelpassing over the Garden, seesSilvioenter in Passion, followed byFrancisca.
Silv.Do not,Francisca—do not blow my Flame,The Cure thou bring’st is much the greater Hell.[Offers to go, but stops.
Silv.Do not,Francisca—do not blow my Flame,
The Cure thou bring’st is much the greater Hell.[Offers to go, but stops.
Mar.Hah,Silvio!unseen I’ll hear the Business.[Goes aside.
Silv.I would fain shun thee, but this impious WeightOf Love upon my Soul hinders my flight:I’m fixt—like conscious Guilt it keeps me here,And I am now insensible of Fear.Speak on, thou Messenger of sacred Love—speak on.
Silv.I would fain shun thee, but this impious Weight
Of Love upon my Soul hinders my flight:
I’m fixt—like conscious Guilt it keeps me here,
And I am now insensible of Fear.
Speak on, thou Messenger of sacred Love—speak on.
Franc.The fairCleonte, Sir, whose Soul’s inflam’dNo less than yours; tho with a virgin ModestyShe would conceal it, pitying now your Pain,Has thro my Intercession—
Franc.The fairCleonte, Sir, whose Soul’s inflam’d
No less than yours; tho with a virgin Modesty
She would conceal it, pitying now your Pain,
Has thro my Intercession—
Silv.Oh quickly speak! What Happiness design’d me?
Franc.To admit you, Sir, this Night into her Chamber.
Mar.Death to my Soul! What’s this?[Aside.
Silv.Her Chamber? is that all? will that allay this FeverIn my Blood?—No, no,Francisca,’Tis grown too high for amorous Parleys only;Her Arms, her charming Bosom, and her Bed,Must now receive me; or I die,Francisca.
Silv.Her Chamber? is that all? will that allay this Fever
In my Blood?—No, no,Francisca,
’Tis grown too high for amorous Parleys only;
Her Arms, her charming Bosom, and her Bed,
Must now receive me; or I die,Francisca.
Franc.I mean no other, Sir; why, can you thinkA Maid in love as much as you can be,Assisted with the silence of the Night,(Which veils her Blushes too) can say—I dare not?Or if she do, she’ll speak it faintly o’er,And even whilst she so denies will yield.Go, go prepare your self for this Encounter,And do not dally as you did to day,And fright your Pleasure with the Name of Sister—
Franc.I mean no other, Sir; why, can you think
A Maid in love as much as you can be,
Assisted with the silence of the Night,
(Which veils her Blushes too) can say—I dare not?
Or if she do, she’ll speak it faintly o’er,
And even whilst she so denies will yield.
Go, go prepare your self for this Encounter,
And do not dally as you did to day,
And fright your Pleasure with the Name of Sister—
Mar.Oh cursed Witch![Aside.
Franc.What say you, Sir?
Silv.That Name has check’d my Joy—And makes it strangely silent and imperfect.[Walks away.
Silv.That Name has check’d my Joy—
And makes it strangely silent and imperfect.[Walks away.
Franc.Why do you go, before you answer me?[Follows him into the Garden.
Mar.I’ll follow him, and kill them.[Comes out with a Dagger.Oh, who would be allied unto a Woman,Nature’s loose Handy-Work? the slight ImploysOf all her wanton Hours?—Oh, I could rave now—Abandon Sense and Nature.Hence, all considerate Thoughts, and in their Room,Supply my Soul with Vengeance, that may proveToo great to be allay’d by Nature, or by Love.[Goes into the Garden after them.
Mar.I’ll follow him, and kill them.[Comes out with a Dagger.
Oh, who would be allied unto a Woman,
Nature’s loose Handy-Work? the slight Imploys
Of all her wanton Hours?—Oh, I could rave now—
Abandon Sense and Nature.
Hence, all considerate Thoughts, and in their Room,
Supply my Soul with Vengeance, that may prove
Too great to be allay’d by Nature, or by Love.[Goes into the Garden after them.
Enter againSilviomelancholy, followed byFrancisca.
Franc.But will you lose this Opportunity,Her Lodgings too being so near your own?
Franc.But will you lose this Opportunity,
Her Lodgings too being so near your own?
Silv.Hell take her for her Wickedness.Oh that ten thousand Mountains stood between us,And Seas as vast and raging as her Lust,That we might never meet—Oh perfect Woman!I find there is no Safety in thy Sex;No trusting to thy Innocence:That being counterfeit, thy Beauty’s gone,Dropt like a Rose o’er-blown;And left thee nothing but a wither’d Root,That never more can bloom.
Silv.Hell take her for her Wickedness.
Oh that ten thousand Mountains stood between us,
And Seas as vast and raging as her Lust,
That we might never meet—Oh perfect Woman!
I find there is no Safety in thy Sex;
No trusting to thy Innocence:
That being counterfeit, thy Beauty’s gone,
Dropt like a Rose o’er-blown;
And left thee nothing but a wither’d Root,
That never more can bloom.
Franc.Alas, I fear I have done ill in this.[Aside.
Silv.I now should hate her: but there yet remainsSomething within, so strangely kind to her,That I’m resolv’d to give her one proof more,Of what I have vow’d her often; yes, I’ll kill her—
Silv.I now should hate her: but there yet remains
Something within, so strangely kind to her,
That I’m resolv’d to give her one proof more,
Of what I have vow’d her often; yes, I’ll kill her—
Franc.How, kill her, Sir? Gods, what have I done![Aside.
Silv.Yes, can I let her live, and say I lov’d her?No, she shall tempt no more vain yielding Men.
Silv.Yes, can I let her live, and say I lov’d her?
No, she shall tempt no more vain yielding Men.
Franc.Consider, Sir, it is to save your Life she does it.
Silv.My Life!’Twere better she and I were buriedQuick in one Grave, than she should fall to this,She has out-sinn’d even me in this Consent.
Silv.My Life!
’Twere better she and I were buried
Quick in one Grave, than she should fall to this,
She has out-sinn’d even me in this Consent.
EnterMarcelfrom amongst the Trees softly with his Dagger behindSilvio.
Mar.Oh, here they are—
Franc.My Lord, defend your self, your are undone else.
Silv.Hah,Marcel![Draws.
Franc.Help, help.
Mar.Hell take thy Throat.
EnterAmbrosio,Clarinda,Cleonte, and the rest of the House.
Amb.Hold, Villain, hold.How dar’st thou thus rebel—ungrateful Wretch?
Amb.Hold, Villain, hold.
How dar’st thou thus rebel—ungrateful Wretch?
Mar.This cause, Sir, is so just, that when you hear it,You’ll curse me, that I let him live thus long:He loves my Sister, Sir; and that leud WomanRepays his lustful Flame, and does this EveningInvite him to her Bed—Oh, let me kill him.[Offers to go to him.
Mar.This cause, Sir, is so just, that when you hear it,
You’ll curse me, that I let him live thus long:
He loves my Sister, Sir; and that leud Woman
Repays his lustful Flame, and does this Evening
Invite him to her Bed—Oh, let me kill him.[Offers to go to him.
Amb.That he should loveCleonteI’ll allow,And her returns too, whilst they are innocent.
Amb.That he should loveCleonteI’ll allow,
And her returns too, whilst they are innocent.
Mar.But, Sir, he does not love her as a Sister.
Amb.If that be all his Crime, I still forgive him.
Silv.Yes, Sir, ’tis true, I do adore my Sister,But am so far from that foul thing he nam’d,That could I think I had a secret ThoughtThat tended that way, I would search it—thus—[Goes to stab himself.
Silv.Yes, Sir, ’tis true, I do adore my Sister,
But am so far from that foul thing he nam’d,
That could I think I had a secret Thought
That tended that way, I would search it—thus—[Goes to stab himself.
Cleo.What mean you by this Desperation?
Silv.Oh, take away this Woman from my sight.[Pointing toCleonte.
For she will finish what this has ill begun.[Holds his Dagger up.
Franc.Thus low, Sir, for you Mercy I must kneel;[Kneels.Which yet I must despair of, when you knowHow very very wickedI have been.[Weeps.Cleonte, Sir, is chaste as Angels are.
Franc.Thus low, Sir, for you Mercy I must kneel;[Kneels.
Which yet I must despair of, when you know
How very very wickedI have been.[Weeps.
Cleonte, Sir, is chaste as Angels are.
Silv.My Sister innocent! how soon I do believe thee!
Franc.Yes, Sir, nor knows of that vile Message which I brought you.
Silv.What Devil set thee on to tempt me then?
Franc.The worst of Devils, hopeless, raging Love;And you, my Lord, were the unhappy Object.
Franc.The worst of Devils, hopeless, raging Love;
And you, my Lord, were the unhappy Object.
Mar.Oh sinful Woman, what was thy Design?
Cleo.What means all this?[Aside.
Franc.At least to have enjoy’d him once; which done,Thinking that it had been the fairCleonte,It would have made him hate her.
Franc.At least to have enjoy’d him once; which done,
Thinking that it had been the fairCleonte,
It would have made him hate her.
Silv.Should all thy other Sins be unrepented,The Piety of this Confession saves thee.Pardon,Cleonte, my rude Thoughts of thee,[Kneels, she takes him up.I had design’d to have kill’d thee—Had not this Knowledge of thy InnocenceArriv’d before I’d seen thee next.And, Sir, your Pardon too I humbly beg,[ToAmbrosio.With license to depart; I cannot liveWhere I must only see my beauteous Sister;That Torment is too great to be supported,That still must last, and never hope a Cure.
Silv.Should all thy other Sins be unrepented,
The Piety of this Confession saves thee.
Pardon,Cleonte, my rude Thoughts of thee,[Kneels, she takes him up.
I had design’d to have kill’d thee—
Had not this Knowledge of thy Innocence
Arriv’d before I’d seen thee next.
And, Sir, your Pardon too I humbly beg,[ToAmbrosio.
With license to depart; I cannot live
Where I must only see my beauteous Sister;
That Torment is too great to be supported,
That still must last, and never hope a Cure.
Amb.Since you are so resolv’d, I will unfoldA Secret to you, that perhaps may please you.
Amb.Since you are so resolv’d, I will unfold
A Secret to you, that perhaps may please you.
Silv.Low at your Feet I do implore it, Sir.[Kneels.
Amb.Your Quality forbids this Ceremony.[Takes him up.
Silv.How, Sir!
Amb.Your Father was the mighty Favourite, theCountd’Olivarez; your Mother,Spain’scelebrated Beauty,Donna Margarita Spiniola, by whom your Father had two natural Sons,Don Lovis de Harro, and your selfDon Roderigo. The Story of his Disgrace, you know, with all the World;’twas then he being banisht from the Court, he left you to my Care then very young. I receiv’d you as my own, and as more than such educated you, and as your Father oblig’d me to do, brought you always up about their Majesties; for he hoped, if you had Beauty and Merits, you might inherit part of that Glory he lost.
Mar.This is wondrous.
Amb.This Truth you had not known so soon, had you not made as great an Interest at Court as any Man so young ever did, and if I had not acquitted my self in all Points as became the Friend of so great and brave a Man, as Countd’Olivarez: the Fortune he left you was two Millions of Crowns.
Silv.Let me embrace your feet for this blest News. Is not the fairCleontethen my Sister?
Amb.No, Sir, but one whom long since I design’d your Wife,if you are pleas’dto think her worthy of it.[Offers her.
Silv.Without her, Sir, I do despise my Being;And do receive her as a Blessing sentFrom Heaven to make my whole Life happy.
Silv.Without her, Sir, I do despise my Being;
And do receive her as a Blessing sent
From Heaven to make my whole Life happy.
Amb.What say you,Cleonte?
Cleo.Sir, I must own a Joy greater than is fit for a Virgin to express.
Mar.Generous DonRoderigo, receive me as your Friend, and pardon all the Fault you found in me as a Brother.[Embraces him.
Silv.Be ever dear unto my Soul,Marcel.
Mar.Now is the time to presentHippolytaandAntonioto my Father, whilst his Humour is so good. And you, dear Brother, I must beg to join with us in so just a Cause.
Silv.You need not doubt my Power, and less my Will.
Mar.Do you prepare him then, whilst I bring them in: for by this I know my Confessor has made them one.[ExitMarcel.
Silv.Sir, I’ve a Suit to you.
Amb.You cannot ask what I can deny.
Silv.Hippolyta, Sir, is married toAntonio, And humbly begs your Pardon for her past fault.
Amb.AntonioandHippolyta!oh, name them not.
EnterAntonioandHippolyta, a Fryar, andMarcel.
Mar.Pray, Sir, forgive them, your Honour being safe,Since DonAntoniohas by marrying her,Repair’d the Injury he did us all,Without which I had kill’d him.
Mar.Pray, Sir, forgive them, your Honour being safe,
Since DonAntoniohas by marrying her,
Repair’d the Injury he did us all,
Without which I had kill’d him.
Amb.Thou art by Nature more severe than I,And if thou think’st our Honour satisfy’d,I will endeavour to forget their Faults.
Amb.Thou art by Nature more severe than I,
And if thou think’st our Honour satisfy’d,
I will endeavour to forget their Faults.
Ant.We humbly thank you, Sir, and beg your Blessing,At least bestow it onHippolyta;For she was ever chaste, and innocent,And acted only what became her Duty;Since by a sacred Vow she was my Wife.
Ant.We humbly thank you, Sir, and beg your Blessing,
At least bestow it onHippolyta;
For she was ever chaste, and innocent,
And acted only what became her Duty;
Since by a sacred Vow she was my Wife.
Amb.How cam’st thou then to treat her so inhumanly?
Ant.In pure revenge to DonMarcelher Brother,Who forc’d my Nature to a stubbornness,Which whilst I did put on, I blush to own;And still between Thoughts so unjust, and Action,Her Virtue would rise up and check my Soul,Which still secur’d her Fame.
Ant.In pure revenge to DonMarcelher Brother,
Who forc’d my Nature to a stubbornness,
Which whilst I did put on, I blush to own;
And still between Thoughts so unjust, and Action,
Her Virtue would rise up and check my Soul,
Which still secur’d her Fame.
Hip.And I have seen in midst of all thy Anger,Thou’st turn’d away, and chang’d thy Words to Sighs;Dropt now and then a Tear, as if asham’d,Not of thy Injuries, but my little Merit.
Hip.And I have seen in midst of all thy Anger,
Thou’st turn’d away, and chang’d thy Words to Sighs;
Dropt now and then a Tear, as if asham’d,
Not of thy Injuries, but my little Merit.
Amb.How weak and easy Nature makes me—Rise,I must forgive you both.Come, Sir, I know you long to be secur’dOf what you say you love so much,Cleonte.
Amb.How weak and easy Nature makes me—Rise,
I must forgive you both.
Come, Sir, I know you long to be secur’d
Of what you say you love so much,Cleonte.
Franc.But, Madam, have you fully pardon’d me?
Silv.We will all join in your behalf,Francisco.
Cleo.I can forgive you, when you can repent.[Exeunt.
Scene II.Carlo’sHouse.
EnterOlindaandDorice.
Olin.But is the Bride-Chamber drest up, and the Bed made as it ought to be?
Dor.As forthe making, ’tis as it use to be, only the Velvet Furniture.
Olin.As it use to be? Oh ignorance! I see these young Wenches are not arriv’d yet to bare Imagination: Well, I must order it my self, I see that.
Dor.Why,Olinda, I hope they will not go just to Bed upon their marrying, without some signs of a Wedding, as Fiddles, and Dancing, and so forth.
Olin.Good Lord, what Joys you have found out for the first Night of a young Bride and Bridegroom. Fiddles and Dancing, ha, ha, ha! they’ll be much merrier by themselves, than Fiddles and Dancing can make them, you Fool.
EnterHaunceandGload.
Bless me! what is’t I see![Stares onHaunce.
Hau.Why! what the Devil means she? look about me,Gload, and see what I have that’s so terrible.
Olin.Oh, I have no Power to stir, it is a Sprite.
Hau.What does she mean now,Gload?
Glo.She desires to be satisfy’d whether we be Flesh and Blood, Sir, I believe.
Hau.Do’st see nothing that’s Devil-wise about me?
Glo.No, indeed, Sir, not I.
Hau.Why then the Wench is tippled, that’s all, a small Fault.
Olin.O, in the name of Goodness, Sir, what are you?
Glo.Ay, Ay, Sir, ’tis that she desires to know.
Olin.Who are you, Sir?
Hau.Why who should I be, but he that’s to be your Master anon?
Glo.Yes, who should he be butMyn heer Haunce van Ezel?
Olin.What, did you come in at the Door?
Hau.Yes, marry did I; what, do you think I creep in likea Lapland Witchthrough the Key-holes?
Dor.Nay, nay, this cannot be the Bridegroom.
Olin.No, for ’tis but a moment since we left him, you know, in my Lady’s Chamber.
Hau.Very drunk, by this good Light.
Dor.And therefore it cannot beMyn heer Haunce.
Hau.What a Devilwill you persuade me out of my Christian Name?
Olin.The Priest has yet scarce done his Office, who is marrying him above to my Lady.
Hau.Salerimente, here’s brave doing, to marry me, and never give me notice; or thou art damnable drunk, or very mad.
Glo.Yes, and I am married to you too, am I not?[ToOlinda.
Olin.You? we know neither of you.
Hau.Ha, ha, ha, here’s a turn for you.
EnterCarlo.
Car.Why,Olinda,Dorice,Olinda, where be these mad Girls? ’tis almost Night, and nothing in Order. Why, what now? Who’s here?
Hau.So the old Man’s possest too—Why, what a Devil ails you, Sir?[Goes roughly to him.
Car.From whence come you, Sir? and what are you?
Hau.Gload, let’s be gone, for we shall be transmigrated into some strange Shapes anon, for all the House is inchanted. Who am I, quoth ye? before I came you all knew me; and now you are very well acquainted with me, you have forgot me.
Car.If you be my SonHaunce, how came you here?
Hau.If I be your SonHaunce, where should I be else?
Car.Above with your Wife, not below amongst the Maids.
Hau.What Wife? what Wife? Ha, ha, ha, do not provoke me, lest I take you a slap in the Face, I tell you that now.
Car.Oh, I find by his Humour this is he, and I am finely cheated and abus’d. I’ll up and know the Truth.[Goes out.
Hau.And so will I.[Follows.
Glo.Why, but MistressOlinda, you have not, indeed, forgot me, have you?
Olin.For my Lover I have, but perhaps I may call you to mind, as my Servant hereafter.
Glo.Since you are so proud and so fickle, you shall stand hereafter as a Cypher with me; and I’ll begin upon a new Account with this pretty Maid: what say you forsooth?
Dor.I am willing enough to get a Husband as young as I am.
Glo.Why, that’s well said, give your Hand upon the Bargain—God-ha’-Mercy, with all my Heart, i’faith.[Go in.
[Scene draws off, discovers a Chamber. EnterAlonzo,Euphemia, andLovis; to themCarlo,Haunce, and the rest.
Car.Oh, I am cheated, undone, abus’d.
Lov.How, Sir, and where?
[HaunceseesAlonzodrest like him, goes gazing about him, and on himself, callingGloadto do the same.
Car.Nay, I know not how, or where; but so I am: and when I find it, I’ll turn you all out of Doors. Who are you, Sir? quickly tell me.
Alon.If you be in such haste, take the shortest Account, I am your Son.
Car.I mean, Sir, what’s your Name, and which of you isHaunce van Ezel?
Hau.Ay, which of us isHaunce van Ezel?tell us that, Sir; we shall handle ye i’faith now—
Alon.He, Sir, can best inform you.[Pointing toHaunce.
Hau.Who, I! I know no more than the great Turk, not I, which of us is me; my Hat, my Feather, my Suit, and my Garniture all over, faith now; and I believe this is me, for I’ll trust my Eyes before any other Sense about me. What say’st thou now,Gload?guess which of us is thy own natural Master now if thou canst.
Glo.Which, Sir?—why—let me see—let me see,[Turns them both about.
fakes, I cannot tell, Sir.
Car.Come, come, the Cheat is plain, and I’ll not be fobb’d off, therefore tell me who you are, Sir.[ToAlonzo.
Alon.One that was very unwilling to have put this Trick upon you, if I could have persuadedEuphemiato have been kind on any other Terms, but nothing would down with her but Matrimony.
Car.How long have you known her?
Alon.Faith, Sir, too long by at least an Hour.
Car.I say again, what are you, Sir?
Alon.A Man I am, and they call meAlonzo.
Car.How! I hope not the great fighting Colonel whom my Son serv’d as a Voluntier inFlanders.
Alon.Even he, Sir.
Car.Worse and worse, I shall grow mad, to think that in spite of all my Care,Euphemiashould marry with so notorious a Man of War.
Hau.How! is thisAlonzo, and am I cozen’d? pray tell me truly, are you not me indeed?
Alon.All over, Sir, only the inside a little less Fool.
Hau.So here’s fine juggling—are not you a rare Lady, hah?[ToEuphemia; crys.
Euph.I assure you, Sir, if this Man had not past for you, I had never had him.
Hau.Had him! Oh, you are a flattering thing, I durst ha’ sworn you could no more ha’ been without me, than a Barber’s Shop without a Fiddle, so I did: Oh, what adamnable Voyage have I back again without a Wife too—[Crys again.
Lov.If that be all, we’ll get you one before you go; that shall be my care.
Hau.A Pox of your care: well, I will get my self most soundly drunk to Night, to be reveng’d of these two damnable Dons. Come,Gload, let us about something in order to’t.[Exit withGload.
Euph.Pray, Sir, be persuaded, he’s worth your owning.
Car.Tell not me of owning; what Fortune has he?
Lov.His Horse and Arms, the Favour of his Prince, and his Pay.
Car.His Horse and Arms I wholly dislike, as Implements of War; and that same Princely Favour, as you call it, will buy no Lands; and his Pay he shall have when he can get it.
Lov.But, Sir, his coming toMadridwas to take possession of a Place the Prince has promis’d him.
Car.Has promis’d him? what! I shall marry my Daughter to the Promises of e’er a Prince inChristendom, shall I? No, no; Promises, quoth ye?
Alon.Well, Sir, will this satisfy you?[Gives him a Parchment.
Euph.If it should not, let us consider what next to do.
Alon.No consideration,Euphemia; not so much as that we are married, lest it lessen our Joys.
Car.Twelve thousand Crowns a Year!—Sir, I cry you mercy, and wish you joy with my Daughter.
Lov.So his Courage will down with him now.
Alon.To satisfy you farther, Sir, read this.[Gives him another Paper.
And now,Euphemia, prepare your self to receive some gallant Friends of mine, whom you must be acquainted with, and who design to make a merry Night on’t.
Euph.A whole Night,Alonzo?
Alon.By no means,Euphemia, for the first too, whichif the thoughts of its being part of my Duty do not hinder, will be a pleasant enough to me.
Car.So considerable an Office at Court too!—Let me imbrace you, Sir; and tell you how happy I am in so brave Son-in-law.
Alon.With that assurance, Sir, I’ll take a more than ordinary freedom with you, and teachEuphemiaa franker way of living, than what a nativeSpaniardwould have allow’d her.
Car.She shall be what sort of Wife you’ll have her.
Enter Servant, after a noise of Musick.
Alon.What Musick’s that?
Serv.It waits upon some Ladies and Gentlemen who ask for you, Sir.
Alon.Wait them in, they are those Friends of mine I told you of.[He goes and brings them in.
EnterMarcelandClarinda,SilvioandCleonte,AntonioandHippolyta,DormidaandFrancisca; all saluteEuphemia.
EnterHaunceandGloadin Masquerade to the Company,OlindaandDoricemasked.
Hau.Well, the Devil’s in’t if we shall not appear ridiculous enough, hah,Gload?
Glo.Ay, Sir, the more ridiculous the better.
Hau.I was always of that mind.—Ha, ha, Boys, who be all these Dons and Donnas?—Harkye,Lovis, I hope the Wife you promis’d me is amongst these fair Ladies, for so I guess they are both, fair and Ladies.
Lov.You guess right, Sir.
Alon.Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, command your Musick, and do what likes you best.
Lov.Here’s the Lady I recommend to you, take her, Sir, be thankful.[Gives himOlinda.
Olin.This is the Fool that I am to manage.
Dor.And this is my Lot.[TakesGload.
[Musick plays, they all dance.
Lov.There is within a young Father ready to join your Hands: take this opportunity, and make sure of a Wife.
Hau.I warrant you, Sir.
[ExeuntHaunce,Olinda,Gload, andDorice.
EnterPedro.
Ped.Your Mother, Sir, whom I found more dead than living, for the loss of your Sister, was very near dying outright with Joy, to hear of your Arrival, and most impatiently expects you.
Dorm.And are we all forgiven,Pedro?
Ped.Yes, you and I are like to be Fellow-Servants together again,Dormida.
Dorm.And Fellow-Lovers too I hope,Pedro.
Ped.The Devil’s in’t if Age have not allay’d Flames of all sorts in thee; but if you contribute to my allowance—
Dorm.Thou know’st I could never keep any thing from thee,Pedro.
Alon.Come, Ladies, there is a small Banquet attends you in the next Room.
Silv.We’ll wait on you, Sir.
EnterHaunce,Gload,Olinda, andDorice.
Hau.Hold, hold, and give me Joy too, for I am married, if she has not mistaken her Man again, and I my Woman.
Olin.No, you are the Man I look for, and I no Cheat, having all about me that you look for too, but Money.[Discovers her self.
Alon.How,Olinda!
Olin.Yes, indeed, Sir, I serv’d my Lady first, and then thought it no Offence to take the Reward due to that Service.
Hau.Here’s aSpanishTrick for you now, to marry a Wife, before one sees her.
Euph.What,Doricemarried too?
Dor.After your Example, Madam.
Glo.Yes, indeed, forsooth, and I have made bold too after the Example of my Master.
Hau.Now do they all expect I should be dissatisfied; but, Gentlemen, in sign and token that I am not, I’ll have one more merry Frisk before we part, ’tis a witty Wench; faith and troth, after a Month ’tis all one who’s who; therefore come on,Gload.[They dance together.
Alon.MonsieurHaunce, I see you are a Man of Gallantry. Come let us in, I know every Man here desires to make this Night his own, and sacrifice it to Pleasure.